Peter Anthony Ruocco

Peter Anthony "Papa" Ruocco (April 12, 1928 – Jan 29, 2026)

Peter Anthony Ruocco, a brilliant electrical engineer, World War II veteran, and devoted family man, passed away at the age of 97 on Thursday, January 29 th , 2026. Universally admired by his peers and associates, Peter was known as a lifelong energetic producer, who deeply appreciated the value of time and the precision of a well-executed plan.

He was born on April 12 th , 1928, a proud native of Bangor Maine and the first of his Italian family to be born in the United States. Peter's intellect and work ethic defined his storied career. After serving with honor in the U.S. Navy, during World War II, he transitioned his disciplined focus to the burgeoning world of telecommunications. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Maine, and his Masters in Electrical Engineering at Northeastern University. Peter rose through the ranks of Western Electric, AT&T and Lucent Technologies, eventually serving as a Director for many years. He was a pioneer in his field, most notably recognized as a primary creator of the national telephone electronic switching system. His work on the 4ESS and 5ESS systems laid the groundwork for modern global communications.

Beyond the laboratory and the boardroom, Peter was a man of profound principle and character. On June 21st , 1952 he married his childhood friend, and wartime pen pal Marion Treadwell sharing his life and his heart with his beloved "Diddy" for 66 years, and building a family legacy that spanned generations. He was a caring family man who balanced a razor- sharp intellect with a deep devotion to those he loved. Fondly known as "Fa" or "Papa", he ardently assisted his children in all facets of their lives, from riding bikes to achieving their graduate and post graduate degrees. His support and love continued with his grandchildren and great grandchildren long after he retired. He strove to instill love of God, moral fiber, a granite work ethic, and pursuit of excellence but most of all love and caring within the family. He was an active member of Saint Augustine's Catholic Church in Andover, Massachusetts and Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Naperville, Illinois. He orchestrated many happy summers at the family camp on Beach Hill Pond in Otis, Maine. Together with his brother-in-law Gordon, he helped the kids in the cove learn to water ski. Diddy would make the successful skier a Water Ski King cake.

He is survived by his three children: Lynda Hoerstman, Patricia Ruocco (Greg McClure), and Peter Ruocco II (Rebecca); his cherished grandchildren: Lindsay Yonker (James), Matthew Hoerstman, Troy Hoerstman, and Peter Ruocco III; and a growing lineage of great-grandchildren: Jakob, Lucas, and Hazel Yonker, who will all carry his memory forward. He was preceded in death by his parents, Matthew G. Ruocco & Natalia Florio Ruocco, and his siblings, Marie Lemothe & Louis. He will be greatly missed and we will hold him in our hearts always.

Family and friends are invited to honor Peter's remarkable 97 years of life. A viewing & reception will be held on Thursday, February 19th at 3:00 pm at Poway-Bernardo Mortuary, 13243 Poway Rd, Poway CA 92064. Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, February 20th at 9:30am at Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala, 10818 San Diego Mission Rd. San Diego, CA 92108, followed by a committal service at Holy Cross Cemetery & Mausoleum, 4470 Hilltop Dr., San Diego, CA 92102.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor may be made to St. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Naperville, IL (http://sspeterandpaul.net) or Navy & Marine Corps Relief Society (https://www.nmcrs.org).